The provincial government of New Brunswick has announced its new strategy on francophone Africa, which focuses on economic development, education and training, immigration and labour recruitment, as well as diplomatic relations.

“This strategy further establishes our government’s intention to strengthen the province’s international presence while becoming a preferred partner of francophone Africa,” said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours, who is also minister responsible for immigration. “Africa is the second-fastest growing region in the world, and its expanding importance on the world stage creates real opportunities for New Brunswick. We are excited about the mutually beneficial potential of this partnership and look forward to getting to work on our common areas of interest.”

Six countries have been identified as a priority for the implementation of the strategy: Morocco, Ivory Coast, Benin, Cameroon, Senegal and Tunisia. The province is already active in several of these countries through various agreements. Some organizations and private sector businesses are also present in these countries.

“With an estimated population of 176 million people within 31 countries and territories, francophone Africa stands out as a prime partner, in particular for New Brunswick,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin, who is also minister responsible for La Francophonie. “We will promote exchanges with these six countries while further exploring possibilities and progressively expanding the collaboration to other francophone African countries. We share a common language and common values, and this will foster the development of mutually beneficial institutional and academic partnerships. By taking advantage of our collective strengths, we can build a partnership that will lead to a better future for all.”

The Department of Intergovernmental Affairs will be responsible for co-ordinating and monitoring the strategy, but several partners will contribute to its implementation, including the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, Immigration NB, Opportunities NB, the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Université de Moncton, the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, and the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick, as well as New Brunswick associations representing people coming from these six countries.